The barrage would be 1,200 metres (three-quarters of a mile) long and would run between Northam Burrows and Braunton Burrows. A road bridge would run along the top of the barrage, which Mr Apps claims would halve the travelling distance between Bideford and Braunton as well as alleviate congestion.

The project would cost between £200 and £240 million and would be a public-private partnership. Mr Apps said the project would largely be supported through European funding as well as from private investment.

The barrage would consist of eight or nine variable pitch turbines which would produce between 88 and 100 MW. In total the scheme could power up to 72,000 homes – more than twice the number that Fullabrook Wind Farm powers.